Marilee Jeanne (Hough) Steward

Marilee Jeanne (Hough) Steward 

1939 - 2018

     On the evening of December 7, 2018, our world traveler, Marilee Jeanne (Hough) Steward departed for one final adventure. A crowd of family and friends were waiting on the other side to meet her for a joyous reunion.

     Her earthly family was not ready to accompany her to the pearly gates on this trip, but they are all looking forward to a reuniting some day. Larry Steward, husband of 57 years, was able to hold her hand until her final moment on earth. She leaves behind her son, Kevin, (Tricia McDaniel) Steward and grand children, Dylan and Jolena of Grand Ledge, Michigan. Also left behind is her daughter, Karin (Cheryl Gaskill) Raymond and granddaughter Ashleigh Raymond of Sunfield.

     Marilee was born in Lake Odessa, Michigan to Roy and Pauline Hough, her younger sister, Carol (Hough) Winters, was born several years later.

     Young farm girl Marilee learned how to plow and summer fallow with the tractor, Roy even got her a farm permit so she could drive the car to town. She enjoyed scouring the family farm for wild flowers and edibles to bring home.

     Sunfield United Brethren was Marilee‘s home church where she contributed her time and talents. She was a well-liked Sunday School teacher for both youth and adults. Marilee also led Vacation Bible School, youth choir, and a Teen Youth Group, the Omegans. The Women’s Missionary Association named her President of the Michigan Conference in 1981.

     After graduating from Sunfield High School in 1957, Marilee received her Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University to earn a teaching degree in Home Economics. Marilee’s senior project for tailoring class was to make her own wedding gown! In 1961, she wore her dress to marry the dashing athlete, Larry Steward who had stolen her heart as a freshman in high school. One of their favorite date-night spots was Swede’s Restaurant in nearby Mulliken.

     Marilee started her teaching career in Huntington, Indiana. Progressively, this newlywed’s paycheck helped Larry finish his degree. In 1963, Marilee and Larry moved back to Sunfield where they were soon blessed with son Kevin and then four years later, daughter, Karin. Marilee returned to professional teaching at Lakewood High School in 1984 until her retirement in 1995.

     In her free time, Marilee enjoyed sewing, gardening, caring for her family, doing handcrafts, and singing. For many years, she also enjoyed helping Larry with his Wrestlers; hosting team parties, washing uniforms, and even writing a team newspaper, the Grappler’s Gazette. Mrs. Stew was often cheering in the stands for her many “wrestling sons”.

   She taught Larry and the kids to love traveling. Larry taught Marilee to enjoy being an outdoorswoman. Camping trips with black pot cooking, whittling, canoeing and fishing soon became favorite summer pastimes.

     Visitation will be held in the Sanctuary of Sunfield United Brethren Church on Thursday December 13 from 2pm - 4 pm and 6pm – 8pm. Sunfield United Brethren church will host a Celebration of Marilee’s Life on Friday December 14 at 11:00 am. Directly following will be a fellowship time in the church parlors. The Committal Service will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa at about 2:30pm. Memorial Donations will be sent to Laurel Mission in Big Laurel, Kentucky.

Please visit a special page created for Marilee to light a candle or leave a condolence for the family: www.RosierFuneralHome.com The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Independent Family Owned Funeral Home in Sunfield: Rosier Funeral Home.

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